Transcript: Podcast Episode: “Why We Pretend We Know What People Are Talking About” You: So today, we’re talking about one of the most universal human behaviors. Pretending. Specifically—pretending you know what someone’s talking about… when you very much do not. We’ve all done it. “Oh yeah, I’ve seen that movie!” You have not. “You mean the economic implications of that shift?” You don’t even know what shift they’re talking about. But you’re in too deep now. So you nod. Smile. Pray they don’t ask for a follow-up. Let’s explore the different flavors of this very specific survival instinct. 1. The Vague Agreement You: This is your go-to when someone drops a name, a reference, a fact—and you just vibe with it, like: “Oh yeahhh, that’s wild.” What’s wild? You don’t know. But you’re committed to the energy. This is basically the verbal equivalent of liking a tweet you didn’t fully read. 2. The Strategic Echo You: They say something like: “Yeah, it’s like that scene from Twin Peaks.” And you go: “Right! That scene from Twin Peaks.” That’s it. That’s your whole move. Just… repeat. With confidence. You sound like you’re in the know. You’re not. But you sound like it. And that’s half the battle. 3. The Mental Google You: Someone brings up a topic, and while they’re talking, you’re not listening—you’re silently Googling in your brain. Except your brain is not Google. It’s just vibes and blurry memories. They’re talking about a war. Your brain pulls up a vague image of a sepia-toned battlefield and a guy with a mustache. Close enough. 4. The Sudden Exit You: If it gets too real—too many references, too fast—you hit ‘em with the ol’: “Wait—sorry, what was that? I just remembered I left my laundry in the oven.” And you vanish. Dignity slightly dented, but reputation mostly intact. So… Why Do We Do This? You: Because no one wants to feel left out. Or dumb. Or like the only person in the room who hasn’t seen that obscure 2006 documentary about Icelandic sheep farming. So we fake it. To fit in. To keep the flow going. To not be that person who derails the whole conversation with, “Wait… who’s Beyoncé?” It’s a defense mechanism. And, let’s be honest—it usually works. How to Catch a Pretender You: If you ever suspect someone’s faking it, just casually say: “Oh yeah? What was your favorite part?” Boom. You’ll either get a detailed breakdown—or a full system crash. Stuttering. Eye twitch. The classic: “Uhh… all of it?” You’ve exposed the truth. But be gentle. We’re all out here just trying to survive brunch. Final Thoughts You: Pretending to know stuff isn’t always about lying. Sometimes, it’s about connecting—even if the wires are a little crossed. And hey, if you made it through this episode and you actually didn’t know what I was talking about at any point… Thanks for faking it with me. Alright, that’s it for this episode of Okay, But Listen. If you liked it, great. If you pretended to like it so I wouldn’t feel bad? Even better. Bye for now.
